The Old School: Recent Episodes
Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller
Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller lead an informal discussion between a current and a former teacher on topics that challenge "best practices" in contemporary education. In keeping with Neil Postman (1979), we support the conserving function of education: “Its aim at all times is to make visible the prevailing biases of a culture and then, by employing whatever philosophies of education are available, to oppose them.”
We welcome Dr. Shelita Cannon-Hoey and Dr. Marvin Rainey to discuss their new book on transformational, instructional, and servant leadership within schools.
Musical credits:
"Turning Back" Steven Bourgeois Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved
"Blues" Steven Bourgeois and Wyeth Tvenge from Jazz Duo ©2004 All rights reserved
The two hosts, well known as old curmudgeons, tackle the seemingly foreign topic of hope and optimism. It turns out, both have much to say on the two concepts.
Referenced works:
The Greek legend of Sisyphus
The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus
Optimism: An Essay by Helen Keller
Essays and Aphorisms by Arthur Schopenhauer
If you are interested in more contemporary readings, we invite you to purchase and read and enjoy our own book:
The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller go back to their bread and butter - education - with a look at how schools schedule their classes. We find the answer a bit depressing but there is joy in the discovery.
If you've gone through half the summer and are currently panicing about not having polished off a good book for the season, may we kindly recommend our humble little book - The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education. Exclusively found at amazon.com. Follow the link the below and prepare to be overwhelmed with insight and humor.
https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SDVRQSXE0WES&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold+a+critical+look+at+contemporary+education&qid=1690145328&sprefix=the+center+cannot+hold%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1
Mr. Miller makes his way across Germany, diagnosing cultural distinctions and peculiarities.
Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller returns to Italy, eluding authorities and creating havoc once again.
Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved
Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Ross Miller discuss the firing of NYU Chemistry professor, Maitland Jones and what it means for the future of rigor in the classroom.
Do not forget to our amazingly insightful, occasionally humorous book from Amazon. It can be found at:
https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MZP9PYEA39U3&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1668278369&sprefix=%2Caps%2C479&sr=8-1
Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois recounting their experience leading informal philosophy groups among high school students.
Musical credit:
"Thinking of You"
Steven and Jim Bourgeois
From Thinking of You (2017)
©All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois recounting their experience leading informal philosophy groups among high school students.
Musical credit:
"Track 11"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois discuss challenges to classroom speech and a tendency to shield the classroom space from difficult conversations.
Musical Credit:
Steven Bourgeois Piano Improv July 24 2021a
©2021 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois raise a glass to celebrate the release of their new book: The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education . . . available now on Amazon.com . . . click here to order . . .
Musical credit:
"My Shining Hour"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois reflect on mentors who guided them through their respective teaching careers.
Musical credit:
"Thinking of Your"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller continue with the escapades, capping off their European journey.
Musical credit:
"La vie en rose"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©2017 All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller provide playful banter as they travel through Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Musical credit:
"Blithe and Bonny"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©2017 All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller reflect on previous student exchange programs, highlighting the benefits and challenges.
Musical credit:
"Everything Happens to Me"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois weigh the costs and benefits of Advanced Placement courses, tutoring, and test prep.
Musical credit:
"Exit"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller make preliminary comments on how school years eventually end.
Musical credit:
"Thinking of Your"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss methods for teaching foreign language.
Musical credit:
"Dancing on the Edge"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©2017 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois take a new perspective on what has been termed "the great retirement" of teachers in recent years. They examine teacher autonomy as a factor that may supersede issues relating to instructional technology and current events.
Musical credit:
"It Never Entered My Mind"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois discuss perceptions the teaching profession and the status of teachers in the United States.
Musical credit:
"Rock Myself"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois enter dangerous ground, discussing the role of parents in curricular choices.
Musical credit:
"Track 16"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller theorize on why teachers lose energy after spending 18-odd weeks in the classroom entertaining students. Reflections just prior to Christmas Break.
Musical credit:
"Track 7"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller are joined by Mr. Wes Upton, a high school counselor, on advanced coursework, college preparation, and career pathways.
Musical credit:
"Track 2"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller consider the pros and cons of advanced high school coursework including Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment.
Musical credit:
"Track 4"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois take on (attack is too strong a word . . .) the idea of school holidays.
Musical credit:
"Track 9"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome Dr. Matthew Post of the University of Dallas for a continuation of their discussion on classroom discourse.
Musical credit:
"Track 11"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Amadeus"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©2017 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois navigate the precarious waters of school dress codes.
Musical credit:
"Thinking of Your"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome Dr. Larry Nyland, former Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, to a discussion on student voice.
Musical credit:
"Skylark"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois reflect on their time in the classroom on September 11, 2001.
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller reflect on the first day of a school year and all such a momentous occasion entails.
Musical credit:
"Good Morning Heartache"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss the pros and cons of school athletics.
Musical credit:
"Your Presence"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss how teachers and parents can foster or thwart quality motivation of children.
Musical credit:
"Dark Places Part II"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Escapade!"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller tackle the controversial issue of learning styles, identifying unintended consequences. Specifically, they address how the idea of learning styles has become embedded in teacher education programs, teacher certification exams, teacher evaluations, and textbooks.
Musical credit:
"Rock Myself"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence
©2005 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"La vie en rose"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Let go!"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness (2004)
©All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"You Are Too Beautiful"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois reflect on summer vacation for teachers, turning what is universally considered a joyful activity into a problem.
Musical credit:
"Dancing on the Edge"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Forsaken"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness
©2004 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Groundless"
Steven Bourgeois
From Out of the Darkness
©2004 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Lament"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"In a Sentimental Mood"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Blithe and Bonny"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Everything Happens to Me"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Dark Places Part 1"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Good Morning Heartache"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"With Wings"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Rock Myself"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Fugue"
Steven Bourgeois
From Presence (2005)
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"On the Street Where You Live"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"Love is a Many-Splendored Thing"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"In Love in Vain"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
"My Shining Hour"
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)
From Thinking of You
©2017 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Wyeth Tvenge (bass)
"Blues"
From Jazz Duo
©2004 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Wyeth Tvenge (bass)
"Gnu Waltz"
From Jazz Duo
©2004 All rights reserved
Musical credit:
Morgan Lindsey Grace (vocal) and Steven Bourgeois (piano)
"The Waiting Time"
From Symbiotic Groove
©2004 All rights reserved